Sea Ranch Lakes Ballot Choices:

March 9, 1990

The term campaign is much too strong a word to describe the conduct of candidates for political office in Sea Ranch Lakes. There are no buttons, brochures or bellicose debates. The only issue that stirs a ripple of controversy is whether sewers should replace the existing septic tanks.

In this 205-home enclave, however, there are plenty of offices to seek. On Tuesday residents will choose a mayor and fill four at-large seats on the Village Council.

In the race for mayor, voters cannot go wrong. Because the incumbent, attorney Robert J. Hunt, 48, has served effectively for five years, he has earned another term.

On the question of installing sewers, Hunt believes the decision, if it has to be made, should be put to a vote of the residents, not decided by the Council.

No one is more familiar with community issues than Hunt`s opponent, Herbert G. Yardley. The 61-year-old auto dealer, who would like to see term limits on the mayor and Council members, has been a resident of Sea Ranch Lakes for 23 years. Whatever action is taken on sewers, Yardley believes residents should be given much more information on that and other village business than in the past.

Among candidates seeking the four at-large council seats, there are no sharp

differences of opinion or heated arguments. All are ecstatic about the Sea Ranch Lakes lifestyle, are satisfied with the performance of the police force, willing to pay for a sewer system costing at least $700,000 if reliable studies show septic tank pollution is a serious problem, see no serious friction between the Council and the Beach Club, and agree that street repairs are needed.

The Sun-Sentinel recommends:

Frank Cerra, 64, a retired builder. Cerra has been active on the sewer issue and in updating the charter. If sewers are installed, he favors paying for them by assessing the residents, not with a bond issue.

Donald H. Norman, 60, an attorney. A member of the Code Enforcement Board, Norman believes the village budget could be leaner.

Joseph Amaturo, 65, radio station owner. Like Yardley, Amaturo believes communication between the council and residents should be improved.

Wilber F. Burt Jr., 68, retired business executive. His platform is not complicated. Keep Sea Ranch Lakes the way it is.

Also running are Kenneth Kohl, 37, a computer salesman who is a two-time loser in previous Council races, and Patricia Bidwell.